Claims & Underwriting Field Specialist

Summary: This is a hybrid role of a Property Claims Representative and a Field Underwriter.

Job responsibilities include: investigate, negotiate, and settle claims of a more serious nature within personal settlement authority under general supervision. Render prompt claim service and establish the best possible relationship with all persons involved. Assists agents in the production and maintenance of insurance accounts through field inspections, field underwriting, and generation of information necessary for a successful sales proposal, policy issue, or service.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

• Develops and implements action plans to meet premium growth goals as determined by corporate goals for line of business.
• Achieves loss ratio goals by Line of Business as determined by corporate goals, through the accurate underwriting of business utilizing proper classification and IRPM procedures as identified through quarterly audits. In addition, required to complete re-underwriting and inspection requests in a timely manner as set forth by management.
• Develops, maintains, and conducts agent training on a timely basis. This responsibility includes developing and implementing materials and target marketing programs to assist agents to write new business.
• May be responsible for the set-up of claims, including taking loss reports, establishing a claim file either through automated or manual systems, and obtaining policy information through the use of computer or direct contact with agents or company personnel.
• Performs a thorough investigation of the loss, including securing recorded or signed statements, medical records and reports, proof of loss, police reports, diagrams, photographs, or testimony from technical experts.
• Investigation may be tedious and involve exploring less accessible sources.
• Secure the assistance of specialists or outside vendors where personal judgment dictates the cost effectiveness and need for these services.
• Interprets coverage and liability issues on the majority of cases, seeking advice on only the most involved cases or those with dollar values exceeding personal authorization. This includes reviewing policy language and endorsements as well as using reference materials to determine legal precedent. On claims where investigation warrants denial, prepares denial materials including documentation, and communicates the decision to the affected parties.
• Evaluates and appraises losses and applies deductibles, betterment, and depreciation principles in arriving at a settlement amount. This may include writing estimates and acquiring agreed-upon prices for property damage, as well as assessing bodily injury and related awards for personal injury cases.
• Reviews all bills and estimates prior to making a settlement or seeking a settlement authority to determine applicability for payment under policy provisions.
• Prepares drafts, negotiates settlements, and performs all tasks required to close a case and effect efficient and fair settlement of claims. This may include the proper handling of subrogation and the disposal of salvage or property owned by the Company to reduce paid loss amounts.
• Prepares all worksheets, forms, documentation, and reporting duties to create a file that is capable of being used by others to monitor progress or continue efficient handling of a claim.
• Responsible for providing an acceptable work space to work out of their home and comply with the Company's Telecommuting Agreement.

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent. Experience as a claim representative or underwriter with the ability to handle more complex cases with only general supervision. Generally acquired at about 3 years of experience. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: 

• AIC, Agents Property and Casualty License (by state), CPCU, AINS, or equivalent. 
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions, including travel to and inspection of sites. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform these functions. 

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills. 
• The ideal candidate should possess proficiency in Internet applications, spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets), and word processing programs (e.g., Microsoft Word or Google Docs). 
• Strong organizational skills. 
• Must have the ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, percentages, and other basic mathematical concepts with accuracy and efficiency. 
• Must be able to readily interpret policy language, liability, and negligence law on more involved cases and perform research when required. Work is varied and complex in nature. 
• Must have knowledge of claim values and establish the value of the majority of assigned cases. Must have knowledge of claim procedures and legal requirements for proper claim handling. Access and enter information accurately into the CRT.

Physical Requirements: Visually and physically inspect accident and/or loss scenes. Conduct in-person meetings with claimants, insureds, agents, and the public in a variety of locations away from the home office. Visually and physically inspect the damages claimed. Work outdoors in all types of weather for a limited time period while inspecting damages or a loss scene. Photographically record damages, accidents, and/or loss scenes. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk considerable distances in all types of weather, terrain and conditions; sit; use hands to finger, handle, measure, or feel; reach with hands and arms; transport, setup and climb ladders to inspect roofs including dwellings, barns, bins, grain systems, and other structures, or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in or under structures and equipment. The employee must regularly lift and/or move items weighing at least 50 pounds.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Nodak Insurance Company complies fully with all federal, state, and local employment laws and shall provide equal employment and advancement opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, the presence of any mental or physical disability, status with regard to public assistance or marriage, or any other category protected by local, state or federal law.